Apple's Foldable iPhone Reportedly Facing Production Issues
Apple's forthcoming $1,999 foldable iPhone, dubbed the "iPhone Duo," is reportedly encountering significant production hurdles. Yield rates at Foxconn's assembly lines are said to be just above 60 percent.
Apple's anticipated foldable iPhone, set for release next month with a price tag of $1,999, is reportedly facing substantial production challenges. Reports from China suggest that final assembly yield rates at Foxconn, a key manufacturing partner, are hovering just above 60 percent as of mid-September.
This figure falls considerably short of Apple's typical quality standards and could delay the device's widespread availability. The company aims to ship six to eight million units in 2026. Industry analysts note that such low initial yields are common with complex new technologies, but reaching mature production levels can take six months to a year.
The primary difficulties are believed to stem from the device's novel hinge mechanism, which reportedly comprises over 100 components. Apple is said to have explored using liquid metal for parts of the hinge before settling on the current design for mass production.
The situation echoes the initial struggles faced by Samsung with its first foldable phone in 2019. Samsung had to postpone its launch to address durability concerns with the screen and hinge, prompting a public apology and product redesign. This history highlights the inherent complexities in manufacturing foldable display technology.